Andreas
Have you ever wondered who makes the more than 2000 km of cross-country ski tracks available in the forests of Oslo? Well, Andreas is one of them! Want to know some of the best places for skiing and hiking in Oslo? Andreas has the best inside information.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find Andreas indoors. During the cold season, he sits behind the wheel of a "løypemaskin", known in English as a snowcat. This impressive vehicle flattens the snow and leaves behind crisp and symmetrical tracks for people to glide through on cross-country skis.
After creating the ski tracks, he of course loves to use them himself. Read on to get som insider tips about the best spots for skiing and hiking in the Nordmarka forest, north of Oslo.
What's the best thing about Oslo, according to you?
Oslo has to be the best capital in the world when it comes to outdoor activities, be it summer or winter. In summer, you have easy access to the sea and you can go on hikes and bike rides. In winter, you have access to an abundance of snow, with cross country tracks as well as slopes for alpine skiing.
Where in Oslo do you go to relax?
I make use of the forest year-round. I am very lucky that my job allows me to cultivate my skiing hobby. The Nordmarka forest is one of a kind, and gives me inner peace.
... and where do you go to find excitement, to feel alive?
In the summertime, I sail on the Oslo Fjord quite a bit, as well as cycling and running in the Nordmarka forest. It is truly a treat to jump into a small lake in the forest for a swim after a bicycle ride on a warm summer night. During winter, I spend a lot of time in the ski tracks surrounding Oslo, and I enjoy skiing in the many alpine slopes available from Oslo.
Do you have a favourite museum?
I find the National Museum quite intriguing, as I initially didn't think I would enjoy visiting an art museum. The National Museum, however, is so much more than just art: it is also architecture, interior design and history. It is so cool to see how architects worked in the past, with physical models. I think it makes more of an impact than digital 3-D models. I also enjoy industrial architecture and design. I was fascinated by the 80's exhibition at the National Museum, where you learn about the history of plastic, among other things.
How do you spend a perfect Sunday in Oslo?
Nothing beats skiing into the forest on a sunny winter day, with a mandatory stop at one of the many sports lodges («markastue») of course. In summertime, I'll go for a bike ride with a swimming break somewhere along the track.
More suggestions for a Sunday
Where do you get the best views?
During winter, you can follow many ski tracks leading to spectacular views. These routes, however, are usually quite long, and only suitable for experienced skiers. Starting from Sørkedalen, you can reach viewpoints such as Heikampen, Oppkuven and Tjæregrashøgda.